International Agreement Visa UK

The International Agreement visa is a UK immigration route for overseas nationals coming to the UK to carry out work covered by specific international obligations. These obligations arise under agreements between the UK and other countries or international organisations, and the visa is designed to ensure the UK meets its commitments under these treaties.

The route is set out under Appendix Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker of the Immigration Rules. It is not a general work route but applies only in defined circumstances, such as contractual service supply, independent professional services, or work for an overseas government or recognised international organisation.

What this article is about:
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the International Agreement visa, including the legal framework, eligibility rules, application process, and conditions of stay. It is intended for overseas workers, UK sponsors, and employers who need to understand the compliance and procedural requirements for this route. The article explains each subcategory in detail, outlines documentary and sponsorship requirements, and highlights relevant limitations, including maximum stay periods and switching rules.

The International Agreement visa is divided into two broad groups:

• Service Supplier route — covering contractual service suppliers and independent professionals, generally operating under the UK’s commitments in trade agreements such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or bilateral free trade agreements.
• Non-Service Supplier roles — covering certain overseas government employees and staff of recognised international organisations, including diplomatic and consular roles outside of diplomatic exemption.

The visa is temporary and does not, in itself, lead to settlement. However, it can provide valuable opportunities for overseas workers and can be a stepping stone to other immigration categories that do qualify for settlement.

By the end of this guide, you will understand:

• The scope and treaty basis of the International Agreement visa
• Which categories are eligible and their specific requirements
• How to apply from inside or outside the UK
• Conditions, length of stay, and extension rules
• Whether switching to another visa or settlement route is possible

Section A: Overview of the International Agreement Visa

The International Agreement visa is a treaty-based UK immigration route that allows overseas nationals to work in the UK where their role is covered by international commitments recognised under UK law. Its legal framework is set out in Appendix Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker of the Immigration Rules.

This route exists to enable the UK to meet obligations arising from:

• The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework.
• Other free trade agreements or economic partnership agreements to which the UK is a signatory.
• Bilateral treaties and other international commitments, including agreements with overseas governments or international organisations.

It is not designed for general recruitment purposes. Instead, the route ensures that the UK honours its obligations to admit workers in certain professional categories under specific agreements.

The visa covers two primary categories:

1. Service Suppliers

This sub-route includes Contractual Service Suppliers (CSS) and Independent Professionals (IP):

• Contractual Service Suppliers are employees of an overseas business (with no UK presence) delivering a service in the UK under a contract covered by an eligible trade agreement. They must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months before applying.
• Independent Professionals are self-employed overseas nationals coming to provide services under an eligible trade agreement. They must have at least six years’ professional experience (or three years in certain specialist sectors under specific agreements) and relevant professional qualifications.

2. Non-Service Supplier Roles

This category includes employees of overseas governments and staff of recognised international organisations coming to the UK to carry out work covered by treaty provisions. It also covers certain roles in diplomatic or consular premises that fall outside the scope of full diplomatic immunity but are nonetheless treaty-protected.

This visa is distinct from the Skilled Worker route in that it does not require the role to meet a minimum salary threshold or to be on a shortage occupation list. Instead, eligibility is determined by the treaty obligations and the applicant’s professional qualifications and experience.

Section Summary
The International Agreement visa is a highly specific immigration route, available only where a role is covered by treaty commitments. It includes the Service Supplier sub-route for contractual service suppliers and independent professionals, and a separate category for overseas government and international organisation employees. The route’s scope is narrow, focusing on fulfilling international legal obligations rather than facilitating general employment migration.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

The International Agreement visa has precise eligibility requirements that differ depending on whether the applicant is applying under the Service Supplier sub-route or as an employee of an overseas government or international organisation. All applicants must meet the core requirements in Appendix Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker of the Immigration Rules.

1. Sponsorship Requirement

• All applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK sponsor licensed for the International Agreement route.
• The CoS must clearly state the applicable treaty provision or international agreement and confirm that the role meets the criteria for the specific subcategory.
• The sponsor must be approved by the Home Office to issue CoS under this route, and the work must be genuine and directly related to the relevant agreement.

2. Eligible Categories

a) Service Suppliers

• Contractual Service Supplier (CSS): Must be employed by an overseas service provider with no UK presence; providing a service to a UK client under a contract covered by an eligible trade agreement; employed by the overseas employer for at least 12 months before applying.
• Independent Professional (IP): Must be established as a self‑employed professional overseas; providing a service to a UK client under an eligible trade agreement; holding at least six years’ professional experience, or three years in certain sectors specified in the relevant trade agreement.

b) Overseas Government or International Organisation Workers

• Must be directly employed by the overseas government or recognised international organisation.
• Must be undertaking work in the UK directly linked to their official role under the relevant treaty provisions.

3. Skills, Qualifications & Professional Standing

• Service Supplier applicants must meet the qualification, skill, and professional standing requirements set by the applicable trade agreement.
• Requirements can include a relevant degree, professional registration, or industry licence.
• Evidence of professional standing must be provided with the application.

4. Financial Maintenance Requirement

• Applicants must show at least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days before the application date, unless the UK sponsor certifies maintenance on the CoS.
• Dependants must also meet separate maintenance thresholds.

5. English Language Requirement

• There is no English language requirement for this route unless a specific treaty provision imposes it.
• A functional level of English may nonetheless assist with professional duties.

6. Suitability Requirements

• Applicants must satisfy general suitability criteria, including security, criminality, and immigration history checks.
• Applications can be refused for prior immigration breaches, unspent criminal convictions, or where admission is not conducive to the public good.

Section Summary
To qualify, applicants need a licensed UK sponsor and a CoS referencing the applicable treaty. Service Supplier applicants must also meet experience and qualification standards in the relevant trade agreement. All applicants must meet maintenance and suitability rules under the Immigration Rules.

Section C: Application Process

The International Agreement visa application process follows the structure of other Temporary Worker routes, with additional documentation needed to prove the work is treaty-eligible. The process is similar for both Service Suppliers and overseas government/international organisation employees, though switching and maximum stay rules can differ by subcategory.

1. Applying from Outside the UK

• Complete the Online Application Form via the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website, selecting “Temporary Worker – International Agreement” as the visa type.
• Pay the Visa Application Fee — as of August 2025, £298 per applicant (including dependants).
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — £1,035 per adult per year, £776 per child per year, payable upfront for the visa duration.
• Submit Biometrics — attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a facial photograph.
• Provide Supporting Documents, such as:
  • Passport or travel document valid for the stay
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
  • Evidence of personal savings (unless sponsor-certified)
  • Professional qualifications or registration, if required
  • Employment history evidence for Contractual Service Suppliers

2. Applying from Inside the UK (Switching)

• Switching into this route is only possible from certain eligible visas, such as other work routes.
• It is not possible to switch from a visit visa, short-term student visa, or seasonal worker visa.
• Applications must be submitted online before the current visa expires, with biometrics provided at a UKVCAS appointment.
• The same core documentation is required as for an overseas application.

3. Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge

• Application Fee — £298 per applicant.
• IHS — £1,035 per adult per year, £776 per child per year.
• Fees are payable at the time of application and are non-refundable if refused.

4. Processing Times

• Outside the UK — typically around 3 weeks from biometric appointment.
• Inside the UK — up to 8 weeks unless priority (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) services are purchased.

5. Priority Services

• Priority processing: additional £500 for a 5-working-day decision.
• Super priority processing: additional £1,000 for a next-working-day decision.
• Availability depends on location and appointment capacity.

Section Summary
Applicants need a valid CoS, an online application, fee and IHS payment, biometrics, and evidence proving treaty eligibility. Standard processing is around 3 weeks from overseas or 8 weeks in-country, with priority options in some locations. Switching is only allowed from certain visa categories.

Section D: Conditions, Duration & Extensions

The International Agreement visa grants temporary permission to work in the UK under terms that are directly linked to the applicable treaty or international obligation. Both applicants and sponsors must comply with the Immigration Rules and sponsor duties to avoid enforcement action or visa curtailment.

1. Duration of Stay

• Contractual Service Suppliers & Independent Professionals — granted for the shorter of:
  • The time stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) plus 14 days, or
  • Up to 6 months in any 12-month period, or up to 12 months if the relevant trade agreement allows (e.g. certain UK–Japan and UK–EU provisions).
• Overseas Government or International Organisation Workers — granted for the period stated on the CoS, up to a maximum of 2 years at a time, with extensions possible if requirements continue to be met.

2. Conditions of Stay

• Can only work in the role described on the CoS for the sponsoring organisation.
• Supplementary employment is generally not permitted unless explicitly allowed by the Immigration Rules.
• Study is allowed if it does not interfere with the sponsored work.
• No recourse to public funds — visa holders cannot claim most UK benefits or housing support.
• Police registration required only if stated on the visa or BRP.

3. Dependants

• Partners and children under 18 can accompany or join the main applicant.
• Maintenance funds required — generally £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, £200 for each additional child.
• Dependants can work (with some restrictions) and study in the UK.

4. Extensions

• Allowed if the applicant remains with the same sponsor and continues to meet the subcategory requirements.
• The total stay must not exceed the maximum allowed for the category.
• Applications must be made before the current visa expires, with biometrics provided at a UKVCAS centre.

5. Switching to Other Visa Categories

• Possible to switch to another route, such as Skilled Worker, if eligibility requirements are met and no switching restriction applies.
• In some cases, the applicant may need to apply from outside the UK.

6. Settlement and ILR

• This visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• Time spent on this visa does not count towards the 5-year settlement requirement but can count towards the 10-year long residence route if all other requirements are met.

Section Summary
The International Agreement visa allows time-limited, treaty-based work in the UK with strict conditions linked to the specific role and agreement. Duration limits vary by subcategory, extensions are available within those limits, and dependants are permitted. While it does not lead directly to settlement, it can contribute towards 10-year long residence ILR.

FAQs

Who can apply for the International Agreement visa?

This visa is for overseas nationals undertaking work in the UK covered by a recognised treaty or international obligation. Eligible groups include:

• Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals under the Service Supplier route
• Employees of overseas governments
• Employees of recognised international organisations

Applicants must have a licensed UK sponsor and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

What is the difference between the International Agreement visa and the Service Supplier visa?

The Service Supplier visa is a subcategory of the International Agreement route, covering only Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals under qualifying trade agreements. The broader International Agreement category also includes certain overseas government and international organisation workers whose roles are covered by treaty obligations.

Does the International Agreement visa allow dependants?

Yes. Eligible partners and children under 18 can accompany or join the main applicant if they meet the maintenance requirements. Dependants can work (with some restrictions) and study in the UK.

Can I switch to another visa type from the International Agreement visa?

Switching is possible from this route into other work or study routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, provided you meet the requirements of the new route and are not affected by any switching restrictions. In some cases, you may need to leave the UK to apply.

How long does it take to process an application?

• Outside the UK — Around 3 weeks from the biometric appointment.
• Inside the UK — Up to 8 weeks, unless a priority (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) service is used.

Processing times may be longer during busy periods or if UKVI requires additional evidence.

Conclusion

The International Agreement visa is a narrowly defined UK immigration route designed to meet the UK’s obligations under international treaties, trade agreements, and other recognised arrangements. It allows specific categories of overseas workers — including Service Suppliers, independent professionals, and certain overseas government or international organisation employees — to undertake treaty-covered work in the UK for a temporary period.

For applicants, the key to success lies in confirming that the role is eligible under the relevant agreement, securing a sponsor licensed for this route, and meeting all professional, financial, and suitability requirements. For UK sponsors, compliance with the Immigration Rules and sponsor guidance is critical to avoid penalties or licence suspension.

Although this visa does not directly lead to settlement, it can serve as part of a broader UK immigration strategy. The ability to switch into settlement-qualifying routes and to count time towards the 10-year long residence ILR means that it can be strategically important for some applicants.

Ultimately, both sponsors and applicants must ensure strict adherence to treaty eligibility, application requirements, and compliance duties to make full use of this visa route while avoiding the risk of refusal or curtailment.

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